Peter Obi’s Coalition Move Gains Momentum as Nenadi Usman’s LP Faction Declares Support

The crisis within the Labour Party (LP) has taken a new turn as the faction led by Senator Nenadi Usman has thrown its weight behind Peter Obi’s decision to join the emerging opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Usman, who serves as acting National Chairman of the faction, declared that Obi’s move has the full backing of what she described as the party’s “legitimate leadership.”

In a statement released through her aide, Ken Asogwa, Usman dismissed the Julius Abure-led faction as “political jesters with no legitimate standing in the Labour Party,” a comment likely to deepen the internal rift. She accused Abure and his allies of being removed by the Supreme Court and suspended from the party for “serial acts of indiscipline and anti-party activities.” Usman condemned the recent 48-hour ultimatum issued by the Abure and Lamidi Apapa factions demanding Obi’s resignation, calling the threat baseless and outside the party’s legal structure.

Reaffirming the faction’s position, Usman recalled that the Labour Party had publicly endorsed Obi’s participation in the coalition effort during a declaration on May 26, 2025. She stated that the leadership stands firmly by that decision and emphasized that Obi’s involvement in the coalition activities, including the ADC unveiling, was carried out with full knowledge and approval of the party’s leadership under her watch. She urged the public and media to disregard statements from those she labeled as “discredited elements.”

The coalition, which aims to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027, was formally launched on Wednesday in Abuja. Former Senate President David Mark was announced as the interim National Chairman, while former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola was named interim National Secretary. Alongside Obi, the meeting was attended by several notable figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former governors Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and other prominent politicians such as Dino Melaye, Dele Momodu, Ireti Kingibe, and Emeka Ihedioha.

Reacting to the coalition’s launch, Obi wrote on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account that the members had formally adopted the ADC for the 2027 general elections. He reaffirmed the coalition’s commitment to delivering “competent, capable, and compassionate leadership” for Nigeria and emphasized the importance of unity in working toward a better future for the country.